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5CNational
Marine Conservation Areas

1.National
Marine Conservation Areas in Eastern Canada

1.1The
Saguenay – St. Lawrence Marine Park, Quebec

The Saguenay – St. Lawrence
Marine Park exists by virtue of two acts, one from the
Government of Canada and the other from the Government of
Quebec (Saguenay-St.Lawrence Marine Park
Act, S.C. 1997, c. 37
andLoi sur le parc marin du
Saguenay—Saint-Laurent,
R.S.Q, c. P-8.1).The Marine Park includes the
Saguenay Fjord, downstream from Cap à l’Est, and the northern
portion of the St. Lawrence Estuary between Gros Cap à l’Aigle
upstream to Les Escoumins downstream (Figure 1). The Marine
Park covers approximately 1,245
km2, includes the water
column and seabed, and extends to the normal high-tide
line.It protects
representative portions of St. Lawrence Estuary and Saguenay
Fjord ecosystems.

The Marine Park and surrounding
waters are well known for the resident St. Lawrence beluga
whale population and the wide diversity of marine mammals that
migrate here, mainly to feed, between the months of April and
November. Whales involved in feeding behaviour may suddenly
surface unexpectedly. Heightened awareness on the mariner’s
part is necessary in order to prevent collisions with
whales.

Oceanographic conditions in the
area produce very strong currents and periodical fog in summer.
The presence of numerous ports and marinas, as well as an
important whale-watching industry, generates intense
navigational activity, particularly between Tadoussac and Les
Escoumins.

Marine Activities in the
Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park Regulations(SOR/2002-76) regulate activities at sea,
notably whale watching. The regulations indicate the maximum
navigation speed permitted throughout the park, as well as the
distances and speeds to be respected when whales are present.
These distances vary depending on the risk status of a given
species.

A permit is required in order to
operate a marine tour business, to carry out scientific
activities and for film productions. For more information on
the Regulations, consult

No person shall engage in
behaviour that may disturb, kill or injure a marine mammal. Any
collision with a marine mammal must immediately be reported to
a park warden by dialling 1-866-508-9888.

2.Distance
requirements

A minimum distance of 400 meters
from all endangered marine mammals (blue whale and beluga
whale) must be respected.

No person shall approach within
200 meters of any other whale species.

3.Speed
limits

The maximum navigational speed
within the Marine Park is 25 knots.

From May 1stto Oct 31st, it is prohibited for a vessel’s pilot to
navigate at a speed greater than 15 knots in the mouth of the
Saguenay, whose limits are defined in Figures 1 and 2.

If a vessel unexpectedly
encounters a threatened or endangered whale species (ex. blue
whale) at a distance of less than 400 meters, the captain must
reduce the speed of the vessel to a speed no greater than the
minimum speed requiredto
maneuverthe vessel and
move away to a distance greater than 400 meters.

B.Zoning

The zoning of the Marine Park is designed to protect
specific habitats and the species that live within them while
promoting ecologically sustainable use of the Marine Park and
quality visitor experiences.Comprehensive
preservation zoneswere created to protect
especially sensitive habitat (Figure 2). These zones cover 3%
of the Marine Park’s surface area and include sectors that are
particularly important to marine mammals and seabirds caring
for their young and for resting. All mariners are requested to
avoid these zones.

C.Marine
Mammal Emergency

To report a marine mammal that is
either in trouble or dead, call 1-877-722-5346.

For general information regarding Parks Canada's National
Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks or National Historic
Sites, please contact our National Information Service at
1-888-773-8888 orinformation@pc.gc.ca,
or visit Parks Canada website atwww.parkscanada.gc.ca.

2.National
Marine Conservation Areas in the Great Lakes

2.1Fathom
Five National Marine Park, Ontario

Fathom Five National Marine Park is a 114
km2protected area located
on Lake Huron near Tobermory, Ontario. Many of the islands
within the park are protected under theCanada
National Parks Act(S.C. 2000, c. 32). The waters
are managed in the "spirit" of theCanada National
Marine Conservation Areas Act(S.C. 2002, c. 18)
using a variety of provincial and federal legislation.

Fathom Five was first established in 1972 as a provincial
park and later in 1987 became the first site to be under the
stewardship of Parks Canada's national marine conservation area
program. The park is renowned for its shipwrecks and diving
opportunities.

Coordinates

Restrictions

Restricted boating areas within Fathom Five National
Marine Park are described in theVessel Operation
Restriction Regulations(SOR/2008-120; Schedule 1,
Part 2, items 4 to 17) and are indicated on the map
above.

Moorings are maintained within many of the restricted
boating areas to facilitate diving and protect the shipwrecks.
Coordinates are listed in the table below.

For general information regarding Parks Canada's National
Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks or National Historic
Sites, please contact our National Information Service at
1-888-773-8888 orinformation@pc.gc.ca,
or visit Parks Canada website atwww.parkscanada.gc.ca.

Gwaii Haanas is a 5000
km2land-and-sea protected area
located at Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands)
in British Columbia. It is cooperatively managed by the
Government of Canada and the Council of the Haida Nation. The
terrestrial portion is protected under theCanada National Parks Act(S.C. 2000, c. 32) and the adjacent marine
area is protected under theCanada National Marine Conservation Areas
Act(S.C. 2002, c.
18).

Coordinates

Gwaii Haanas National Marine
Conservation Area Reserve and Haida Heritage Site is one of the
first National Marine Conservation Areas (NMCA) established in
Canada. NMCAs are intended to protect and conserve
representative marine areas for the benefit, education and
enjoyment of the people of Canada and the world. The fully
protected areas in the Gwaii Haanas Marine Area (see map)
protect key areas of biodiversity, rare and sensitive ecosystem
elements, and important cultural sites.

Permitting requirements

Those who would like to visit the
Gwaii Haanas Terrestrial Area must obtain a permit at the Gwaii
Haanas office in Skidegate or by calling 877-559-8818. Visitors
are also required to receive an orientation prior to going
ashore. These requirements do not apply to people of Haida
ancestry.

For general information regarding Parks Canada's National
Marine Conservation Areas, National Parks or National Historic
Sites, please contact our National Information Service at
1-888-773-8888 orinformation@pc.gc.ca,
or visit Parks Canada website atwww.parkscanada.gc.ca.